'Stomachion', the first full release from German metallers Black Thoughts Bleeding sees them gaining a foothold in the aggressive modern/thrash metal arena with a very solid release which reinforces previous comparisons to fellow countrymen Heaven Shall Burn but also doffing their caps to Killswitch Engage and Bullet For My Valentine.

Kicking in with 'Bloodred Struggle', the guitars attack you from all angles and when 'My Past, Your Fault' collared me hook, line and sinker I thought they'd peaked too early. You see, this song is an absolute belter, bringing together all the best bits of the aforementioned BMFV and KSE, with an absolutely stonking chorus. Fortunately, most of the album doesn't fall much below this standard and songs like the title track and 'Nothing Changes' are pretty damn good modern metal, with some great riffs and plenty of groove mixed with the out and out brutality which underpins their sound.

Good stuff from yet another promising young band.

www.myspace.com/blackthoughtsbleeding